An MP has warned university bosses to stop relying on greedy landlords to fill an accommodation gap.

Gerry Steinberg, Labour MP for Durham City, says he is to meet university chiefs in a bid to resolve what he sees as a crisis.

He said: "Local residents are the ones having to endure the consequences, not the landlords and agents who are making a healthy profit, nor the university, which has failed to cater for its own students."

He urged residents to call a 24-hour community hotline on (0191) 334 2222 with any problems.